1
as in wise
displaying or marked by rude boldness
the nervy waiter held up the small tip and called out to the departing customers, "Hope it doesn't break the bank!"
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in adventurous
inclined or willing to take risks
nervy rock climbers wanting to make gravity-defying ascents
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in nervous
feeling or showing uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty
I'm a little nervy about my first job interview
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of nervy
The thriller — more horrific than straight-up scary — is worth checking out, if only for the late Brittany Murphy's nervy turn as a razor-wielding woman confined to a sanatorium.
—
Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025
And McConaughey, as a nervy reluctant hero, steers the searing, intense narrative about normal people living through the most hellish of circumstances.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
The times have seldom been more hostile toward political mythmaking as nervy as this, or blockbuster intelligence of this scale.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025
Black Bag succeeds on its style and chilly wit, and on the cool, nervy appeal of its two stars.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for nervy
Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025
And McConaughey, as a nervy reluctant hero, steers the searing, intense narrative about normal people living through the most hellish of circumstances.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
The times have seldom been more hostile toward political mythmaking as nervy as this, or blockbuster intelligence of this scale.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025
Black Bag succeeds on its style and chilly wit, and on the cool, nervy appeal of its two stars.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for nervy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nervy
Adjective
-
Given the nature of debate around the use of AI in production, the note seems a wise one.—
Stewart Clarke,
Deadline,
4 Nov. 2025
-
This wise, gentle character had been inhabited and portrayed by such eminent people.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Her adventurous spirit never dimmed.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Miguel kick-started his career with his adventurous 2012 debut, Kaleidoscope Dream, an LP that mixed rock, soul, and psychedelia into a freewheeling sound he’s been nuancing ever since, often in music that’s taken on a moodier, more anxious tone.—
Jon Dolan,
Rolling Stone,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
In 2024, Mark looked nervous watching Grace compete in a horse show.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Senior dogs, puppies, or nervous rescues may require specialized care.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The gory gag was a cheeky nod to Lloyd’s recent trend of ending his shows with his leading men nearly naked and slicked with stage blood.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau's new romance is continuing to heat up as both the pop star and the former Canadian prime minister appeared to make cheeky references to each other over Halloween weekend.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Rae’s dress featured a dramatic deep V neckline and nude illusion mesh straps that create a daring contrast against the gown’s sleek black fabric.—
Renan Botelho,
Footwear News,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Her nude mani was rounded but with a square tip, which is the perfect mix between elegant and daring.—
Ana Serrano,
Glamour,
28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Residents of Cranbourne Hall Residential Park, the nearest neighborhood, are worried that the new home will be less private than the four-bedroom Adelaide Cottage.—
Christina Dugan Ramirez,
FOXNews.com,
2 Nov. 2025
-
Haseebullah also is worried about the Cybertrucks’ surveillance abilities that the public may not be unaware of, and that the fleet might give Tesla access to police data.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
That’s a bold way for a singer who hasn’t been known primarily for being in the theater arena that long to start off with — maybe too bold, in declaring that Streisand’s turf is her terra firma, too.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
2 Nov. 2025
-
Trading for Tucker ahead of his walk year was a bold action.—
Patrick Mooney,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
From being a runaway teen to a lawyer to a stay-at-home mom, the Indian-American comedian's journey is one of fearless reinvention rooted in unwavering authenticity.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
1 Nov. 2025
-
Because artistic directors are crucial to the flourishing of any fashion house, Dreyfus’ latest also devotes space to highlighting the contributions of Louis Vuitton’s most fearless leaders — who were able to propel the label into the present day while keeping a firm grasp on its inimitable legacy.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nervy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nervy. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share